Has anyone ever had a rash on left side of abdomen? I got this weird dry patch, non itchy, there a few weeks ago. Went to FP who said it was eczema and gave me a rx. Then 2 weeks later wake up to left side and flank pain and fever. Called FP who said it was bladder or kidney infection ane got another rx. I don't know if I have lupus, but do have sjogrens and know they go together. Pain on side has subsided since and rash almost gone, Please help!

VeeJ

02-21-2012 06:23 PM

Re: Another question about rash?

Chillip, in addition to two lupus-specific rashes (a lot of SCLE annular & a tiny bit of discoid), I've had numerous OTHER skin problems that weren't lupus-related. I bet many of us with autoimmunes have extremely touchy skin---we seem born to it!

One question might be, do you see any correlation to sun? If not, then maybe it IS just dry skin that can occur in winter---or maybe from soap, or from meds. (Speaking of which, do you take Plaquenil? It can cause skin eruptions in rare cases.)

But if your rash recurs AND you're starting a new flare at the same time, then that could be a sign your rash is autoimmune-related.

I'm in the anti-Ro subgroup of lupus, the same autoantibody seen in Sjogren's. I was told that the two "SCLE" lupus rashes correlate heavily with anti-Ro: SCLE annular form, and SCLE psoriasiform. If your rash keeps recurring, those are two you could ask about...

Hope this helps some. Are you feeling better? Best wishes, Vee

chillip1123

02-21-2012 07:39 PM

Re: Another question about rash?

Thanks Vee! Not sun related, had blood work and will wait to see what they show. Have appt with Rheumy next week, hadn't seen him in 6 years. No meds right now! I just wish I knew one way or another. :(

VeeJ

02-22-2012 03:51 AM

Re: Another question about rash?

Hi. You could look for pics of the two SCLE rashes, in that they're the two most associated with anti-Ro. Only a doctor could say, of course, but if either look like your rash, that might be a head start.

Briefly, here's what I believe each SCLE looks like. The *annular* form starts as a red raised papules (like a juicy mosquito bite), then expands into targetlike circles, then expands further losing circularity. *Psoriasiform* looks like psoriasis, (but isn't). Neither tend to scar or depigment. Both tend to be extremely photosensitive (that would include tanning salons!).

Do you take meds for your Sjogren's? Have regular followup appts with some doctor OTHER than this rheumatologist? I believe anyone with one of these "close cousin" diseases should be monitored, like it or not!

Interesting: before Dx and Plaquenil, in addition to common lupus problems (pain, fatigue, etc.) and chronic GI misery, I got infections often: UTI's, also sinus & yeast infections. Also urinary stones occcasionally. And weirdly, I also had frequent urinary burning & urgency & pain even when I *didn't* test positive for a UTI.

Let us know how your appt. goes. Wishing you good luck. Best wishes, Vee

chillip1123

03-07-2012 08:32 AM

Re: Another question about rash?

Rheum apply went ok. He didn't think rash was lupus related. He didn't want to do any kidney tests and said recent labs were fine. Now today I woke up with flank pain again.
Guess I will give it a day and call Md tomorrow. :(

VeeJ

03-07-2012 09:05 AM

Re: Another question about rash?

Chillip, was urinalysis done since this started? I used to form tiny urinary stones, only got bad enough to create total blockage once. Lesser episodes were only pain (incl flank pain) & discomfort; urine didn't test positive for UTI (b/c these weren't infections) but DID reveal the tiny stones.

Can you think of other possible reasons for flank pain? I have a ton LOT of arthritis, wake up stiff most days, and take take Advil daily in addition to Plaquenil. Do you have regular pain elsewhere, besides flank?

Sure hope you can get this (and skin) figured out soon. All my best, Vee

chillip1123

03-07-2012 11:25 AM

Re: Another question about rash?

[QUOTE=VeeJ;4940236]Chillip, was urinalysis done since this started? I used to form tiny urinary stones, only got bad enough to create total blockage once. Lesser episodes were only pain (incl flank pain) & discomfort; urine didn't test positive for UTI (b/c these weren't infections) but DID reveal the tiny stones.

Can you think of other possible reasons for flank pain? I have a ton LOT of arthritis, wake up stiff most days, and take take Advil daily in addition to Plaquenil. Do you have regular pain elsewhere, besides flank?

Sure hope you can get this (and skin) figured out soon. All my best, Vee[/QUOTE]

chillip1123

03-07-2012 11:28 AM

Re: Another question about rash?

Neither doc did UA. Only pain in flank area! Do not understand, I know that kidney issues are related to sjogrens, but docs were unconcerned. frustrated!

VeeJ

03-07-2012 03:19 PM

Re: Another question about rash?

I'd probably try being being firmer, more emphatic. Next try: switch doctors OR see a urologist.

Please know that's not criticism! I wasn't taken seriously on some things during try #1, #2, ETC. Why this is, I wish I knew. In my grimmer moods, I suspect it's because we're women... When my GP was farming me out to various specialists & I was getting nowhere, he thought I should exaggerate, really emote. But when I sense I have no credibility with a dr., I switch.